Can your nose predict brain health? new study tests smell and choices in HIV and addiction
NCT ID NCT07637669
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 58 times
Summary
This study looks at how HIV and substance use disorder (SUD) affect the sense of smell and decision-making. Researchers will test 120 adults aged 18–65, including people with HIV, SUD, both, or neither. Participants will complete smell tests and computer tasks over two visits, and some may have a brain scan. The goal is to understand how these conditions impact brain function, not to provide treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could reveal how HIV and substance use affect the brain, potentially pointing to new ways to detect or treat thinking problems.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It will not directly improve health, and results may not apply to everyone with HIV or substance use disorder.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
local community sample: metropolitan Baltimore area
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: For all participants: * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study * Aged 18-65 years old. Justification: prevalence of olfactory impairments increases with age; after age 53, the prevalence is 24.5 percent, increasing to 62.5 percent in people ages 80-97. * Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations throughout study duration. * Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. For participants in the HIV+ and SUD+ and HIV+ and SUD- groups: -HIV positive. For participants in the HIV+ and SUD+ and HIV- \& SUD+ groups: -Substance Use Disorder (SUD) other than Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD). EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: For all participants: * History of neurological illnesses or neurosurgery including but not limited to cerebrovascular accident, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, Huntington disease, central nervous system (CNS) tumor, significant head trauma with sequelae, multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating diseases, epilepsy, movement disorders. The MAI will also retain discretion to exclude based on a history of a neurological illness or trauma that may compromise data integrity. * History of current (past 12 months) uncontrolled major DSM-5 psychiatric disorder including major affective disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, or posttraumatic stress disorder, excluding SUD. * Candidates who recently (12 hours prior to a study visit) used medications and/or substances that are psychoactive or otherwise affect alertness will have to pass a clinical assessment for intoxication on the day of the study visit. Based on participant preferences and MAI/PI judgment, participants who fail the clinical assessment for intoxication will either be withdrawn or rescheduled. * History of clinically significant anaphylaxis, e.g., due to severe asthma or food and nonfood allergies (e.g., latex, detergents, soap, etc.). The MAI will retain discretion to exclude a participant based on this criterion. * Uncorrected impairments in visual acuity. * Non-English speaking. Justification: The data integrity of some of the behavioral tasks used in this study would be compromised as they have only been validated in English. * Pregnancy. * Any other condition that in the judgment of the investigators is incompatible with participation. For participants in the HIV+ and SUD- and HIV- and SUD- groups: * History of current (past 12 months) SUD, excluding tobacco use disorder. * Pattern of alcohol and drug use in the past 12 months that is indicative of harmful use, loss of control over use, or physical dependence. * Daily alcohol or drug use (excluding caffeine and nicotine) for at least 4 continuous weeks in the past 12 months. For participants in the HIV- and SU+ and HIV- and SUD- groups: -HIV positive. For the Optional MRI Segment: -Unable to undergo MRI scanning due to certain metallic or magnetic devices or implants in the body, or claustrophobia.
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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National Institute on Drug Abuse
Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States
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